F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Backs Max Verstappen Joining Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton has thrown his support behind the idea of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes, describing the team as “amazing” and praising its personnel, environment, and culture.



The seven-time world champion, who is set to switch to Ferrari in 2025, was asked whether he would recommend the Silver Arrows to his long-time rival, Verstappen, should the Dutch driver consider leaving Red Bull.



Hamilton Reflects on Red Bull Remarks



Despite their fierce rivalry over the years, Hamilton offered a glowing endorsement of both Red Bull and Mercedes during a recent interview.



He admitted to having once made a dismissive comment about Red Bull, referring to the outfit as “just a drinks company,” but expressed regret over that statement.







“Of course,” Hamilton said when asked if he would recommend Mercedes to Verstappen.



“I mean, he’s coming from a great team. Many, many years ago, I was being asked something about, I can’t remember.”



“I think I was just so diehard Mercedes at the time, and I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company.



“And I always regretted it, because I was just saying that Mercedes at the time was just great. I was really just trying to G up my team, but the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team.”



Hamilton continued to highlight Red Bull’s dominance and the strength of its personnel, but added that Mercedes also remains an elite operation.



“There’s so many people there that are exceptional, and they’ve dominated for years,” he said of Red Bull.



“But what I can say, if anyone was going to ask me about Mercedes, it’s an amazing team also.



“With, naturally, the passion, they’ve got great personnel, it’s a great factory, great environment to work in.



“So, of course I would say, be interested to see what happens.”



Verstappen’s Future Under Scrutiny



Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with continued uncertainty at Red Bull adding fuel to the fire.



The reigning world champion, who has been frustrated with the internal politics and performance swings at the team, is thought to be a target for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.



Wolff has openly admitted on multiple occasions that discussions have taken place with Verstappen or his representatives.



This ongoing interest, combined with Lewis Hamilton’s departure from the German team at the end of the season, has made Mercedes a potentially attractive destination for Verstappen.



The team is actively considering its driver line-up for 2025, with George Russell already confirmed and a second seat still to be decided.



Verstappen Tight-Lipped on Mercedes Talks



During the British Grand Prix media day, Verstappen was directly asked why his camp had been involved in talks with Mercedes.



His reaction was terse.



“Who says that?,” he asked in response.



Upon being informed that it was Toto Wolff who had publicly confirmed the discussions, Verstappen replied, “I have nothing to add.”



This brief comment did little to cool the ongoing rumors, with paddock insiders continuing to believe that Mercedes is making a strong play for the Dutch driver.



While Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull through 2028, it is believed there are clauses in his agreement that could allow him to exit early, particularly if the team’s performance or leadership situation declines.



Mercedes Looking to the Future



With Hamilton’s imminent exit and Red Bull’s internal turmoil, Mercedes finds itself in a unique position.



The team, which dominated Formula 1 in the hybrid era with Hamilton, is now seeking a new cornerstone for its future ambitions.



Max Verstappen, widely regarded as the sport’s most talented current driver, would represent a major coup.



Hamilton’s endorsement adds weight to Mercedes’ pitch, presenting the team not just as a historically successful outfit, but as an attractive and passionate environment for top drivers.



As the 2024 season continues, all eyes will be on Verstappen’s next move—and whether Mercedes can persuade him to make the switch.
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